Château Loudenne Rouge
AOC Médoc, France
Vintage:2020 (Current)
2015 (Past) | 2016 (Current) | 2017 (Current) | 2018 (Current) |
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Reviews
JamesSuckling.com 91-92 Points
“Medium-bodied with plum, blackberry and cocoa aromas. Fine-grained tannins and fresh character. Fruity, plummy finish.”
Decanter 89 Points
“They have worked very hard in recent years at this estate to up quality. I am enjoying the gentle balance of brambled fruit and soft tannins that have avoided the overly tight tannins of the vintage. Athanase Fakorellis is consultant.”
Overview
As often quoted in the Médoc, "There is no great vineyard which cannot see the river." As all the best Grands Crus from the Médoc area, Château Loudenne's vineyard benefits from an exceptional terroir: two gravelly hills that slope gently down to the banks of the Gironde estuary, reflecting the sun rays, reducing the risk of frost and helping the grapes to ripen. This privileged terroir contributes to the unique complexity and finesse of Château Loudenne wines.
Château Loudenne also benefits from ocean breezes that create a favorable microclimate for the maturation of the grape: the flavor is concentrated through evaporation and mild humidity. The soil is predominantly clay and limestone.
2020 was the second year of conversion to organic farming High Environmental Value (HVE Level 3).
Winemaking
Thermoregulated stainless steel and concrete vats, followed by horizontal pressing, separation and selection of press juice. Malolactic fermentation in barrel. Average 25 days fermentation.
Tasting Notes
Beautiful deep cherry red color. A nose of dark fruits (ripe blackcurrant and black cherry griotte) and spices with a touch of liquorice and vanilla. The palate shows a very convincing start, broad and immediately textural, with a nice weight through the middle, with a good frame of rich and ripe tannins, fresh acidity and plenty of grip too. Beautiful long and persistent finish.
Harvest Notes
Loudenne, thanks to its favorable microclimate, escaped the frost of March 26th. Spring was mild and rainy, a difficult environment for the protection of the vines against mildew and for soil management. Our ability to cope with this condition in our second year of organic farming, strengthens us in our choice. Subsequently during the summer, the drought and heat settled with fortunately a saving rain in mid-August. The gravel and clay soils allowed the vines to withstand the drought, but these conditions have impacted the yields. However, they allowed us to harvest small, concentrated berries with thick skins in perfect sanitary condition.
Technical Information
Varietals: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Wine Alcohol: 13%
pH: 3.6
Harvest Start Date: September 17, 2020
Harvest End Date: October 2, 2020
Average Vine Age: 35 years
New Oak: 50% new oak
Aging: 85% of the wine is aged 12 to 16 months in French oak barrels